Let’s clear up a few things about hemorrhoids. First of all, everyone has them in a sense, because hemorrhoids aren’t precisely a hard diagnosis but a continuum: when pronounced, hemorrhoids are simply swollen versions of common and healthy blood vessels that we all have, in and around the anus.
Hemorrhoids develop when pressure or friction on these blood vessels causes them to swell and become irritated, giving rise to the telltale bulging appearance that is one of the diagnostic criteria for true hemorrhoids.
Hemorrhoids can appear in the lower rectum, where they are known as internal hemorrhoids, or around the anus, where they are known as external hemorrhoids. Both types are prone to bleeding, which is why bright red blood in the toilet or on your toilet paper after defecating is another of the signature symptoms of hemorrhoids.
Do All Hemorrhoids Itch?
One of the common misconceptions about hemorrhoids is that they are always accompanied by pain or itching. In fact, internal hemorrhoids often are not painful at all, while external hemorrhoids can be excruciatingly painful. In between these extremes, many external hemorrhoids may simply itch if the irritation isn’t too severe.
How To Tell If You Have Hemorrhoids
Look for bright red blood in the stool, and you may be able to feel for swollen blood vessels in the shower or bath. If you have experienced repeated bleeding, itching, or pain, it’s time to visit a hemorrhoid doctor or specialist. The Proctology Institute offers the best hemorrhoid treatment in Los Angeles.
